Posted on April 25, 2025
These paragraphs are shortened versions of the original nominations.
Jes’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to Penn-Mar’s mission make her deeply worthy of a HEART Award. While her primary role is managing the LISS program – a significant responsibility in and of itself – her impact extends far beyond, especially in leading and supporting the team captains responsible for executing the annual Penn-Mar Gala. Through her exceptional organization and leadership, she ensures that this vital event not only runs smoothly but also reflects the spirit of excellence and community that defines Penn-Mar.
This year, the LISS program was facing funding challenges, yet Jes still managed to find time to support the Gala. She ensured that every detail was meticulously handled, from check-in and silent auction coordination to live auction execution, guest assistance, check-out, and event set-up and breakdown. Her ability to organize and inspire a well-trained, highly efficient group of volunteers allows the event to exceed expectations each year — both in terms of guest experience and fundraising success. Because of her leadership, the gala not only meets but surpasses its financial goals, making a lasting impact on Penn-Mar’s ability to provide essential services.
Christina’s passion for person-centered support knows no bounds. She supported a gentleman who spent an extensive amount of time hospitalized due to the support needed for his genetic diagnosis of Phelan McDermid. She worked with experts on Phelan McDermid to gain information on how to educate those personally working with this gentleman. Christina was a driving force that helped discover what support would provide a meaningful life for him. When Christina first met him, he was able to communicate with a full vocabulary. When he lost his speech, she still encouraged him to advocate for what he wanted by giving him familiar choices. He needed more extensive support when discharged from the hospital, and Christina worked with his new team to understand the individualized support he needs to thrive.
Christina supported someone new moving into the home who tragically lost some of his family and everything familiar to him. She made it a point to learn what he liked and incorporated that into his transition. She quickly realized that relationships are important to him and has ensured he can be around his friends every day. She also helps to facilitate relationships outside of seeing friends at the day program. Christina helped to foster relationships with this gentleman and DSPs to create an environment where he feels safe and secure.
Michal is deserving of this award thanks to her exceptional contributions as a Residential Supervisor. Michal was recently asked to be part of the first pilot for the CIMS eMAR platform, which will soon be used across all programs at Penn-Mar. Throughout this process, she has been deeply involved in learning the new system and identifying areas for improvement. Whenever an issue or opportunity for enhancement was found, Michal diligently communicated and problem-solved with the team.
What truly sets her efforts apart is the initiative she took to create a comprehensive guide for all Residential Supervisors to use. This guide is in-depth, clear, and immensely helpful for her peers as they navigate the new eMAR system. Michal’s dedication to supporting people with complex needs requires accurate and varied tracking methods. She has been able to identify areas in the system that require additional tracking or training to ensure the needs of the people she supports are met.
Creating such a guide is not a task typically asked of any supervisor, but Michal’s attention to detail and dedication made her the perfect person for this project. She has collaborated with many people throughout this process, building effective, collaborative relationships across different homes, teams, and departments. This collaboration has made her an invaluable resource and leader for the project.
I appreciate Michal using her strengths to better support her team, fellow Supervisors, and everyone at Penn-Mar.
Karen was nominated for this award because of her true leadership abilities and willingness to act during an emergency for someone we support. Late on a Friday afternoon, she learned that a person we support was in a crisis because her mother was unexpectedly taken to the hospital. This person needs assistance with all personal care needs, meals, and transfers to and from her wheelchair and could not stay in her home for long periods of time. Karen immediately reached out to the person’s family members and made a support plan for the rest of that Friday night. On Saturday, Karen returned to the Penn-Mar office to retrieve the cell phone number for a DDA leadership member and secured emergency funding.
Between calls and emails, Karen made sure to connect with the person to make sure she felt safe, informed, and supported. Within 24 hours of the crisis, the person was able to move to a temporary place where her needs could be met. Karen also helped the individual to advocate for the need for a long-term plan for safety and stability. Because of Karen’s leadership skills, collaboration, problem solving, and willingness to work outside of her normal work schedule, this person is safe and enjoying her new place she calls home.
Christal works at the Maryland Central Day Program as a Direct Support Professional. In the 16 months she has worked here, Christal has demonstrated a determination to build relationships with the people she supports and bring an energy and vitality to our program. She has been very involved in building clubs at our program. During Fitness Club, Christal brings the enthusiasm of a genuine Zumba type exercise class to our very own gym. Christal leads the group with exercises that are easy to follow and fun. The people supported as well as team members are drawn into the contagious energy which Christal spins. Christal also participates in our cooking club where she assists those interested in selecting recipes, creating a supply list, shopping, and preparing delicious meals.
Christal has worked with a group of four people to volunteer at the ReStore (habitat for humanity) in Westminster. With her guidance, her group has heightened what Penn-Mar has done in the past by taking on the challenge of rearranging and organizing the numerous shelves and items as allotted by the management staff at the store. Christal was a fundamental part of Penn Mar receive Volunteer of the Month in 2024. This is just one aspect of Christal’s exceptional job performance and her genuine ability to bring out the best in the people she supports as well as her teammates.
Christal has embraced Penn-Mar’s mission to support people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life. She has done this with her tireless dedication to contributing the best possible support to the people she serves.
Gerald has truly exemplified Penn-Mar’s mission, core values, and commitment to person-centered support. He has been an outstanding addition to our team, especially in supporting an individual who presented challenges that others in the program had struggled to manage effectively. Despite multiple attempts by various DSPs and the implementation of a comprehensive behavior support plan, we faced significant difficulties. Even with two staff members providing support in the community, our efforts were unproductive, and we had exhausted all available options and resources.
When we hired Gerald, he exceeded all our expectations and accomplished what we thought was impossible. He made an incredible impact by helping transition a person who is now actively participating in the community. The person he supports is now interacting with others, respecting personal space and belongings, engaging in meaningful conversations, developing independence, and happily doing volunteer work.
Gerald’s dedication, skill, and innovative approach have made a profound difference, and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions. His demeanor and methods are crucial to his success. His soft tone commands attention, and his genuine passion for his work is truly inspiring. It is evident that he pours his heart into everything he does, making his efforts heartfelt and personal. His authenticity and dedication shine through, creating a significant impact on those around him.
Melinda is the very definition of a person-centered DSP, keeping things lively and meaningful for the people she supports. This year, the residential program changed from supporting just one person to supporting two people. Lynn played an integral role in this transition period by helping the two guys find common interests and supporting them in sharing a space. Lynn is always sure to get the gentlemen she supports involved with planning their days. They often enjoy fun activities like finding new hiking trails, malls, and even reptile shows.
Lynn consistently sends updates to the team (including the family) with pictures of the fun times they had at the end of each week. She supports the gentlemen in the home with decorating for most holidays. For Halloween this past year, the gentlemen Lynn supports chose to dress as their favorite horror characters and Lynn agreed to participate as their victim. This nomination outlines only a few of the wonderful things Lynn does with and for the gentlemen she supports.
Tanya has had an exceptionally difficult year and has managed it with grace and resilience. Tanya supervised a program for many years and has shown such dedication to the people supported and team members in the program. During the past year, the program suffered two unexpected deaths. Tanya supported the team and families during this difficult time while at the same time feeling the loss herself.
Tanya now supports a new program and in the brief time she has been there, her calming presence and experience have made a positive impact. She fit in seamlessly with the team and the ladies supported in the program.
Through all the adversity she has faced in the past year, she has still managed to come out on top with Penn-Mar’s Core Values intact. She is courageous for taking on a new challenge after such heartbreak. Tanya collaborates with her new team to ensure they are providing optimal support. She shows her integrity daily in the tasks she completes, the work she submits, and her dedication to the people supported at Penn-Mar.
Emily is an exemplary Direct Support Professional. Within the first six months of Emily working in the program, she has made a positive impact on the team and the two people she supports. Emily supported a gentleman to get involved in music therapy. She took the initiative to connect with local music therapists and to determine which services could be covered by the waiver funding. Focusing on the 3E’s, Emily introduced this gentleman to a new church. She exposed him to several local churches until he found the right fit.
In addition, Emily supports a woman who does not typically like to try new things or to visit unfamiliar places. Emily has supported her with exploring new opportunities which has resulted in her meeting a friend and expanding their relationship. Emily is incredibly passionate about the support she provides and does everything she can to ensure the people she supports live courageously.
As the Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Naomi plays a critical role in ensuring that all communications reflect Penn-Mar’s mission, community, and amplify the voices of people supported. Her strategic approach to communications, creativity, and tireless work ethic has significantly strengthened Penn-Mar’s reach and impact.
She excels at managing multiple priorities and taking on additional tasks, and her exceptional organization and attention to detail make an enormous difference. During a transition period in the Marketing and Communications team, Naomi stepped up to lead multiple projects, bringing positive change to Penn-Mar, the team, and the lives of the people we support.
In addition to her excellence and teamwork, Naomi embodies our core value of collaboration, coordinating PR opportunities, supporting various appreciation events, and working closely with multiple people throughout the organization to develop and design our successful End of Year campaign and Annual Report. Her rapid response to numerous urgent advocacy updates this past spring made a significant difference in increasing awareness of funding shortages and encouraging community members to stand up for vital services.
Naomi also goes above and beyond her regular job duties, ensuring excellence in every project she undertakes. She does it all with poise, professionalism, and a passion for our mission.
Alisa has done an outstanding job of embracing Penn-Mar’s mission and core values by demonstrating remarkable adaptability and dedication to person-centered support. Alisa transitioned from providing in-home support to a one-on-one support role at the PA day program. This shift was a significant adjustment, but she adapted well.
Alisa quickly learned the needs of the person she supports and developed routines to empower and understand them better. The person Alisa supports has dementia and has faced numerous challenges since moving to the residential house at Penn-Mar. Alisa’s compassionate approach has been instrumental in helping her navigate these changes. Her support has played a crucial role in assisting the person in adjusting to the one-on-one setting after previously being in a group environment. This transition was difficult and took time, but Alisa’s patience and proactive strategies made a positive impact.
Each day, Alisa ensures that activities align with the individual’s preferences and goals, emphasizing the importance of person-centered care. The person enjoys having her nails colored and her hair styled. With her background as a former hairdresser, Alisa goes above and beyond in her role by doing and styling her hair and nails every day. On occasion, Alisa even took her to a professional salon for a nail treatment. Alisa also organizes enjoyable outings and activities to help the person feel included. Safety is a top priority for her, and she works diligently to maintain a secure environment.
Alisa’s kindness and leadership positively influence both the person she supports and the Penn-Mar community. She builds strong relationships through open communication and shares helpful ideas that foster teamwork. She exemplifies selflessness and excellence in person-centered care. She is approachable and often assists staff to ensure smooth operations and high-quality care. Her dedication to creating a welcoming environment helps everyone feel valued and included, fostering a sense of belonging for individuals and team members alike.
Kristen Wolmar deserves the Heart Award because of her strong support, compassion, and kindness during a hard time in my life. Kristen has always been a source of strength and comfort, and I believe she truly represents the spirit of this award.
Kristen embodies the mission and values of Penn-Mar. She focuses on person-centered care and makes sure to understand our unique needs and preferences. She prioritizes both our physical and emotional well-being. Kristen goes beyond her duties by offering compassion and encouragement, which has greatly impacted us, especially me.
Over the past several months, I have faced the heartbreaking loss of two housemates. Throughout this time, Kristen has been a constant presence in my life, providing me with emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of stability. Whether it was offering a listening ear when I needed to talk, or simply being there to help me with day-to-day tasks when I was feeling overwhelmed, Kristen’s care and kindness never faltered. Whenever I found myself struggling with my emotions or feeling mentally drained, Kristen would offer a comforting word or gesture. She knows just how to lift my spirits, whether it’s through a thoughtful conversation or by lending a hand with whatever I need, even when I can’t articulate it myself. Her support has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for everything she has done for me.
Kristen has a remarkable ability to be present, to truly listen, and to help in ways that go beyond what is expected. She has given me hope during some of my darkest moments, and for that, I will be forever thankful.